Confession on SermonAudio

Pastor Robert Fitzgerald teaches on the biblical doctrine of work, concluding with Matthew 5:16 and Colossians 3:23–24, where believers are called to labor 'as unto the Lord' and not merely for men, so their diligent work shines before others and glorifies the Father. He stresses that work is not a punishment for sin but a divine blessing, and applies this by urging Christians to be the most industrious workers—going above and beyond without grumbling, since complaint betrays a failure to trust God's sanctifying purposes. He also calls believers to thank God for the means of provision as well as the ends, praying with Moses in Psalm 90 that God would 'establish the work of our hands,' and he urges parents to teach children the dignity of work as distinct from play, modeling diligence and confessing their own grumbling as a lesson in grace. A discussion followed on vocation versus career and the Reformed view of laboring in every sphere—family, church, and culture—including a possible future study using Richard Steele's book, before the class closed in prayer asking God's help to live out these six-day callings and prepare for worship.

Pastor Paul Takach taught from Philippians 2:1–11, the "Christ hymn," showing that Paul's purpose is not merely doctrinal but practical: believers must have the mind of Christ—unity and lowliness of mind, esteeming others above themselves. "Being in the form of God" (morphe) means Christ's very essence: He is fully God who, unlike Adam, did not selfishly grasp at equality with God but willingly surrendered His rightful divine privileges. Christ "emptied Himself" not of deity but by veiling His glory in human flesh, taking the form of a bondservant—two whole, perfect natures in one person (Colossians 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:16; Nicene Creed; 1689 Confession)—because redemption required a sacrifice both human and divine, whose perfect obedience is credited to believers. His humility extended to full obedience, even the shameful death of the cross, the most disgraceful execution in the Roman world. Borrowing Al Martin's pictures of an artist studying a landscape and a seamstress following a pattern, he urged believers to constantly look to Christ and give up their rights and preferences—in the church, in marriage, and in Christian liberty (1 Cor. 8:13; 9:12)—for pride is a "relationship destroyer." Unbelievers need more than a humility lesson—they need Christ Himself, for God-pleasing humility is impossible without faith in Him and the Spirit's power.

Preacher: Rev Andrew Murray Welcome to our service at Ardaragh FPC. We hope you will join with us as we meet together to worship God.

Main Idea: God confronts human guilt and dismantles our excuses to drive us out of hiding and into His grace. Main Points: I. God Calls the Sinner (v. 9) II. Fear Reveals Guilt (v. 10) III. Blame Replaces Confession (vv. 12–13)

God's Covenanting Nature Explored #2

This sermon examines the historical revival under King Hezekiah as a model for contemporary spiritual renewal, emphasizing that true revival begins with the realization of sin and the reestablishment of communion with God. The message highlights the key elements of this gathering, including the compassionate acceptance of unclean worshippers, the adoration of God through joyous worship, and the necessity of confession and protracted devotion. It further explores the tangible fruits of this spiritual awakening, such as the cleansing of idolatry, the restoration of tithing and support for the priesthood, and the resulting prosperity and obedience to God's law. The preacher presents this narrative as a sovereign act of God's mercy, urging the congregation to seek a similar transformative experience that leads to holiness, unity, and a renewed commitment to serving the Lord.

Scripture Reading: Joshua 24:1-28 Sermon Outline I. A Confession of Fulfillment II. A Confession of Facts III. A Confession of Faith IV. A Confession of the Father

Grace Covenant Baptist Church is a Reformed Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana. We are a confessional church subscribing to the Second London Baptist Confession of 1689. We adhere to the Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation; Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Soli Deo Gloria. Find more information about or listen to past sermons from Grace Covenant Baptist Church at https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/gcbcwm/